Big County tenants have claimed more than £500,000 in emergency payouts since the Bedroom Tax came in, it emerged yesterday.

New figures have revealed that Perth and Kinross Council paid out £539,675 in discretionary housing payments – known as ‘DHP’ – from April to November last year, an increase of over TWELVE TIMES the amount spent in 2012/13.

But while North Perthshire MSP John Swinney yesterday described the rise in claims as “shocking”, the local authority’s leader Ian Miller insisted the number of DHP claims being made was actually LOWER than had been expected.

“There are a number of reasons for the low uptake of DHP in Perth and Kinross, including the low number of under-occupied properties in the area and the rural nature of Perth and Kinross,” he declared.

“Some don’t apply and in order to maximise the awareness of these payments, every housing benefit claimant with a shortfall in rent will receive a letter inviting them to make an application for DHP.

“Our welfare team is distributing DHP campaign posters to all schools, GP surgeries, council offices, libraries and partner agencies this week.

“DHP leaflets will be included in the council tax billings to all residents which we send out in March. Plasma screens within council offices will display DHP information next week.

“Staff are currently undertaking overtime in order to process applications. In addition, a plea has been made to our partners in the private and social sector encouraging applications from tenants due to the fact that we aim to prevent eviction in all cases.

“The council will continue to raise awareness and provide the maximum help.”

The rise in poverty levels across the Big County was slammed by Mr Swinney yesterday.

“This situation is causing misery to households across our country and presents unnecessary financial pressures on the Scottish Government and Scottish councils as they seek to protect people from this divisive and remote Westminster ideology,” he raged.

“The Scottish Government is providing vital support for those hit by Bedroom Tax, with an additional £20m in each of the next two years.

“Overall, £35m is being provided this year, which is the maximum amount of funding allowed under UK legislation. I applaud Perth and Kinross Council’s readiness ahead of this policy and their success in mitigating it to date.

“Many households in my constituency have benefited from the dedication of housing and welfare rights officers in assisting them with the Bedroom Tax.”